POT MILD IN COMPARISON

I am opposed to a state-run facility designed to produce marijuana,
but I am in favor of decriminalizing the growing of marijuana for
personal use and the licensing of regulated commercial production.

Rep. Wayne Krieger, R-Gold Beach, suggests (Register-Guard, April 2)
that marijuana, as a controlled substance, leads to usage of more
serious drugs. Statistics show this is because we have grouped
marijuana with other, more serious drugs in our laws and expenditures.
By creating a lucrative black market through prohibition we have
strengthened that association, putting marijuana profiteering in the
hands of the criminal element.

Marijuana, on its own, does not lead to hard drug use. I know many
responsible and highly accomplished people who use marijuana. You do,
too, but it's a secret.

When we focus on responsible, constructive behavior in our lives, then
we can apply those values in all of our relationships with things and
with people. That's how we learn to make good decisions.

Some faiths prohibit drinking coffee. We just approved soda machines
in our schools despite the knowledge that the stuff contributes to
tooth decay, obesity and possibly diabetes. Adults may buy and sell
tobacco knowing full well that its use is directly linked to emphysema
and cancer. We know that there is responsible and irresponsible adult
use of alcohol. Then there's marijuana - mild in comparison to the
physically addictive drugs it is associated with in our laws. Life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness - ring a bell. That's right, it's
the one in Philadelphia.

There's a lot of talk these days about getting big government out of
people's personal lives. Isn't it funny how we decide when we think
that is and isn't true.

Douglas Curry